Perceptions of poverty in Australia
Across Australia, poverty continues to shape lives, limit opportunities and challenge our sense of fairness. Our Perceptions of poverty in Australia report reveals that people living in Australia not only recognise the realities of poverty but want meaningful action to address it.
At a glance
Research shows that people living in Australia understand poverty as more than a lack of income. It touches health, housing, safety, employment, education and social connection.
BSL has commissioned two major studies surveying more than 2,600 people across Australia in 2025 and 2026. The findings highlight widespread concern about the rising cost of living, growing inequality and the impact these pressures have on individuals, families and communities.
A call for action
- 94% of people believed more should be done to reduce poverty.
- 82% said supporting people experiencing poverty is especially important during the current cost‑of‑living crisis.
The impact of rising costs
- 76% had been directly affected by cost‑of‑living pressures in the past two years.
- Over one‑quarter (27%) experienced ongoing stress or anxiety due to financial insecurity.
Recognition of poverty across multiple dimensions
- 79% identified not having enough money for food as poverty.
- 70% recognised inadequate or unsafe housing.
- More than half (59%) agreed that poor health and limited access to healthcare was experiencing poverty.
Experiences close to home
- 38% of respondents had personally experienced poverty or know someone who has.
- 61% believed poverty is a major issue affecting many in their community.
Why people believe poverty happens
People in Australia saw poverty as driven by factors largely outside a person’s control:
- Not having a job (56%)
- Living with chronic illness or disability (53%)
- Low wages and insecure work (52%)
- Lack of government support (45%)
- An unfair system that advantages the wealthy (36%)
Growing inequality and the threat to democracy
- With 75% saying Australia is becoming more unequal, many people see this gap affecting not just households, but the health of our democracy.
- More than half (55%) believed inequality is now a threat to democratic institutions and public trust.
Strong support for solutions
Across backgrounds and political beliefs, Australians overwhelmingly support practical and structural responses to poverty:
- 80% believed affordable housing must be a top government priority.
- 61% said employment opportunities are critical.
- 56% wanted more financial assistance for those doing it tough.
- 53% wanted more equitable access to education and skills.
- Importantly, 74% agreed that real change requires redesigning systems so they work for everyone, not only those already well-off.
Why this research matters
Australia has no official poverty measure. This gap makes it difficult to track who is experiencing poverty and whether conditions are improving or worsening.
BSL is calling for official poverty measures — both monetary and multidimensional poverty measures — so we can better understand disadvantage and take coordinated, effective action.